Greetings and welcome to the last newsletter of the year 2024!
As we approach the end of another very busy year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and express my gratitude for your support. This year has had many challenges, but equally significant milestones, and innovative breakthroughs. As we look ahead to the new year, I am excited about the opportunities that await us and confident that, with our continued collaboration we will achieve even more.
Thank you for being an ongoing part of Techlam’s journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Brett Hamilton – Managing Director
// Techlam celebrates 32 years of innovation and excellence
When we first started in 1992, few could have predicted how far we would come. What began as a small business operating out of a garage has transformed Techlam into New Zealand’s largest glulam facility and a leading provider of engineered timber products, serving customers across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.
“We are thrilled to mark this significant milestone,” says our Managing Director Brett Hamilton. “Our longevity is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, the trust our customers place in us, and our commitment to continuous innovation and operational excellence.”
Over the years, we’ve been proud to contribute to landmark projects that showcase our expertise. Our glulam structures can be found in impressive locations like Wellington International Airport, the Hutt Valley Health Club, and the CCCS Jubilee Church in Western Samoa. Most recently, we supplied the curved laminated timber beams for Jackson Orchard’s new packhouse in Central Otago, continuing our tradition of architectural excellence.
Our commitment to innovation recently took a significant leap with the acquisition of a new 6 Axis CNC Line. This state-of-the-art Oikos XL machine allows us to automatically manage and continuously process large engineered timber elements with remarkable accuracy. The investment is part of our ongoing sustainable manufacturing project, designed to increase our production efficiency and reduce landfill waste by 25%.
“Our team is like the glulam we create,” Brett explains. “We take individual strengths and combine them to form a single, strong unit. Our culture is the glue that holds it all together.”
Driven by our core values of Honouring Commitments, Thriving on Challenges, and Teamwork, we continue to look forward. We remain committed to our vision of becoming Australasia’s leading manufacturer of engineered timber products. And we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.
Interested in learning more about how our processing and glulam solutions can benefit your next project? We’d love to hear from you!
// Hon. Chris Penk and MP Tim Costley visit Techlam
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Hon. Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, and our local MP Tim Costley to Techlam NZ. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the future of the New Zealand building industry and share our vision for growth and innovation.
The Minister’s commitment to strengthening the sector was clear. He outlined a focus on three key areas: people, product, and process.
- Investing in People: The conversation around attracting and training skilled workers was particularly encouraging. We discussed how to provide better access to opportunities and ensure the industry remains vibrant and sustainable for years to come.
- Prioritising Product: We were especially excited by the emphasis on innovation and high-quality building materials. This focus on resilience and efficiency will not only benefit our infrastructure but also create opportunities for suppliers like us. The Minister acknowledged the need for faster approval processes through Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) across New Zealand, which is music to our ears!
- Improving Processes: Streamlining regulations and encouraging collaboration across different parts of the building sector is essential to boost productivity and remove unnecessary obstacles.
We’re incredibly optimistic about the future and appreciate the government’s proactive support in shaping our industry’s growth.
During the visit, we were thrilled to give the Minister a tour of Techlam and showcase our latest investments. Our new plant and equipment are designed to boost our digital fabrication capabilities, allowing us to offer even more innovative solutions to the market.
This visit reinforced our belief that by working together, we can build a stronger, smarter New Zealand. We’re excited to be part of this journey!
// Murihiku Marae’s Tohorā-Inspired Design Showcases Techlam’s Curved Glulam Beams
The newly redeveloped Murihiku Marae in Invercargill stops visitors in their tracks with its distinctive tohorā-shaped (whale-shaped) design.
Taranaki-based architectural practice BOON led the design. They worked closely with mana whenua, Waihōpai kaumātua, kui and Trustees of the marae to develop the cultural narrative that underpins the final design. At the heart of this $15 million project are Techlam’s curved glulam beams, carefully positioned to echo the ribcage of a Tohorā. The 1,442-square-metre structure stands as a model of sustainable architecture, blending cultural significance with environmental innovation.
From the project’s earliest stages, Techlam worked closely with Henderson Construction and Beca engineers to bring this vision to life. The team tackled the complex challenge of integrating curved beams while meeting strict sustainability requirements and project deadlines.
Project Manager Brent Henderson of Henderson Construction speaks to this collaboration: “Techlam is one of our major out-of-town suppliers for the project, and they have acted the same as anybody that we would have used locally, they’ve done everything we would expect them to, so thanks for being a part of the collaboration.”
The marae’s structure features 11 curved glulam beams and internally exposed glulam roof beams and columns, creating both the visual centerpiece and structural backbone of the building.
Techlam’s glulam curved beams blend strength with design possibilities. They can be shaped to almost any form, with curves ranging from 100mm to 100m radius. Architects can specify elliptical beams, tapering curves with changing radii or even beams that flow from curves into straight lines — all while maintaining structural integrity.
Each curved beam for Murihiku Marae has been crafted in Techlam’s facility in Levin, delivering the sweeping curves that define the marae’s unique shape. From an aerial view, these elements come together to form the distinctive Tohorā shape, with the reception area forming the tail and the wharenui Te Rakitauneke serving as the head.
The choice of Techlam’s curved glulam beams served both form and function. Comprised of renewable timber, the beams naturally reduce the building’s carbon footprint compared to traditional materials. Their precise engineering cuts down on waste, helping the project achieve an impressive 58 tonnes of carbon sequestration.
For architects and designers, Techlam’s curved glulam beams offer several key advantages:
- Creative freedom to shape beams to almost any design
- Superior strength and dimensional stability
- Sustainable materials from responsibly managed forests
- Efficient installation that reduces construction time and costs
- Ability to meet strict environmental requirements
- Flexibility to adapt to complex architectural designs
// Curved Glulam Portals Feature in Award-Winning Church Restoration
Techlam is proud to have been involved in the recently completed St Hilda’s Church in Island Bay — a restoration project that seamlessly blends the old with the new. First Light Studio’s concept for St Hilda’s Church pairs warm timber elements with intricate façade details, creating a timeless, stunning aesthetic.
Techlams’ curved portals work beautifully in the church, introducing a light and natural element that transforms the space. The project is a great example of incorporating a strong, durable, modern element like Techlam glulam into a historical building. St Hilda’s Church was a winner in the Small Project Architecture category of the NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards, and also won two awards at the 2023 Timber Design Awards.
“This small but impressive project utilised timber specifically as a solution to some delicate structural issues which enabled a historically sensitive building to retain its integrity while taking on a new outward-facing appearance and also improve its ability to survive earthquakes. Tying together the old and the new was achieved using New Zealand timbers tastefully connected with the existing structural system to create a new and improved space for the building users.” — 2023 Timber Design Awards
Why choose glulaminated timber?
- Sustainability
The demand for innovative materials that combine strength and eco-consciousness has never been more important. For architects, and builders seeking a sustainable product that doesn’t compromise on performance or aesthetics, Techlam glulam is an ideal solution. Engineered timber is a responsible design choice, and Techlam’s experienced team are available to assist on projects throughout New Zealand, the Pacific islands and and further a field to help make your designs a reality. - Versatility in design
What sets Glulam apart is its versatility in design. Unlike rigid steel or concrete, glulam easily forms various shapes, allowing architects to unleash their creative visions without constraints. From curves to bold cantilevers, glulam empowers designers to push boundaries and redefine architectural norms. Its natural aesthetic appeal adds warmth and character to any space, transforming structures into timeless works of art effortlessly facilitated by Techlam. - Cost efficiency
Along with sustainable construction methods, comes cost-effectiveness. The lightweight nature of glulam timber reduces transportation and installation costs, while prefabricated components streamline construction timelines and minimise on-site waste. The result? A win-win solution that maximises value without sacrificing quality or sustainability.
By harnessing the power of nature, engineering ingenuity, and design excellence, glulam paves the way for a brighter, greener future. With each project, specifiers can leave a legacy: one built on the pillars of sustainability, strength, and timeless beauty, supported by Techlam’s commitment to simplifying the process and ensuring that sustainable choices are within reach for all.
Project Awards:
- Winner – Small Project Architecture, Wellington Architecture Awards
- Highly Commended – Commercial & Public Building Design, 2023 Timber Design Awards
- Highly Commended – People’s Choice Award, 2023 Timber Design Awards
// Product Substitution – Minor Variation
The Minor Variation Regulations have been amended this year. They are now more permissive. The substituted product is now considered in terms of functionality and consequences of failure rather than just the material.
For those interested in the detail, a comparable product is one that meets the following criteria.
- the product achieves an equivalent level of performance, considering design, installation, intended use, and maintenance; and
- is unlikely to affect the building code compliance of other parts of the building work; and
- the consequences of a building failure due to the product substitution would not be significantly worse than a building failure caused by the failure of the original product.
This means that Techlam glulam products may now be confidently substituted for other engineered structural members (glulam and LVL) as well as solid timber, and even steel members.
We have updated our minor variation forms to make it simpler to use Techlam products instead of another consented and comparable product.
Techlam has their own in-house regulatory expert who can be contacted at louise.swann@techlam.co.nz.
// We have a winner! 🎉
Our November Merchant Promo has come to an end, and we’re thrilled to announce the lucky winner of the Techlam bar fridge!
Congratulations to Matakana ITM – Independent Timber Merchants! We can’t wait to deliver your prize and help you keep your team refreshed over summer 😉
A big thank you to all the timber merchants who participated. Stay tuned for our upcoming promos!
// Techlam Annual Closure Dates
We’re committed to providing you with the best possible service throughout the holiday season. To help you plan your orders, please take note of the following key dates and lead times:
Office
- Closes: Monday 23 December at 5 pm
- Reopens: Tuesday 7 January at 7 am
Plant
- Closes: Friday 20 December 20th at 4 pm
- Reopens: Tuesday 7 January at 6 am
We encourage you to place your orders as early as possible to ensure timely delivery before the holiday break.
From everyone at Techlam, we wish you a happy and healthy end to the year. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to working with you in the year ahead!
